Longden CofE Primary School Nursery Review

A mud kitchen, kitchen garden and woodland give Longden’s nursery day a practical, outdoor character. Children aged two to four attend the nursery at Longden CofE Primary School, with its own building and access to the school’s grounds, hall and dining room. There is space to explore beyond the nursery classroom.

Two-year-olds learn with older nursery children, alongside focused group activities suited to their needs. Ofsted’s February 2026 judgement for early years was Expected standard, covering the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Play and planned teaching share the day. Adults organise daily activities involving creativity, early number work and literacy, while children also choose resources and pursue their own interests. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about language, movement, relationships, reading, mathematics, the world and creative expression. Here, that means practical experiences as well as adult guidance.

Children can move between outdoor and indoor play, with time to stay absorbed in an activity. The woodland wild area extends outdoor learning; the kitchen garden and mud kitchen provide further spaces for exploration. Nursery science includes sowing seeds, tending plants and investigating natural materials. These activities give children things to observe, handle and talk about.

Twinkl Phonics Phase 1 uses Kit and Sam stories, games and listening activities to develop awareness of sounds. Activities become more demanding as children’s understanding grows. Nursery English otherwise uses planned experiences and everyday play rather than a separate English scheme. Mathematics is practical too: children explore quantities, patterns, shapes and comparisons of weight, length and volume through play.

In February 2026, staff supported language by naming toy fruit during sand play and encouraging children to answer. Adults generally used play interactions effectively to reinforce learning. Creative activities include paint, colour mixing and model making, while remote control cars, torches and a role-play till introduce technology through familiar actions and situations.

A nursery teacher works with nursery practitioners. Each child has a key person, and predictable routines help children understand what comes next. Adults help them name feelings, take turns and make choices. In February 2026, staff built relationships promptly and nursery routines were established, giving children a familiar structure for their day.

Individual learning journey books travel between home and nursery, allowing families to follow progress. Regular open afternoons also let parents join their child’s play, songs and rhymes. For children needing additional support, the early years team aims to adapt teaching and use individual plans with focused objectives reviewed regularly.

Hot meals are cooked in the school kitchen and ordered at morning registration, so families need not book lunch ahead. Packed lunches are another option. Snacks and drinks are included, with milk and fresh fruit offered daily. Lunch payments use ParentPay.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Shropshire Council’s online Synergy service. The council processes applications against the school’s oversubscription criteria, so choosing nursery should remain a decision about the nursery experience itself.

Preparation for the move is a separate matter. Nursery staff work with the Reception team and the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage leader. Access to the school hall and dining room gives children experience of spaces beyond their nursery building, helping the next stage feel more familiar.

Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:50am; afternoons run from 11:50am to 2:50pm. A paid lunch-hour option is available. Funded arrangements include 15 hours for children aged two to four and a 30-hour option subject to eligibility checks through HMRC; 24U funding is accepted. Contact the school for current charges, including lunch and additional care.

Early Birds Club starts at 8am on term-time weekdays. Nursery families must confirm bookings with the office the previous day. After School Club runs from 3pm to 6pm during term time and must be booked through ParentPay by 10am that day. Arrange a nursery visit on 01743 860514 or email nursery@longden.shropshire.sch.uk. Requests to change days or add hours also go through the nursery session waiting list.